AWARD LIST
The Portage County Business Council believes in the importance of honoring the excellence of local member businesses, individuals and service projects that contribute to our community.
The official award nomination forms are available next to each award description. You are encouraged to present additional background information and support documents with the nomination form. The more you present to support your nomination, the better informed the selection committees will be during the decision making process.
Agri-Business Scholarships : click here for Scholarship Form
Since 1990, the Portage County Business Council has been able to award scholarships from money raised at the Annual SPUD BOWL event. The scholarships are presented annually during the American Agriculture Banquet in March.
2010 Award Recipients:
- 4-H Leadership in Agriculture - Dylan Warzinski
- Outstanding FFA Seniors - Tim Ostrowski, Amherst High School; Jaime Matysik, Rosholt High School; Sabrina Leahy, SPASH
- Agi-Business Scholarship - Jesse Barden
Ambassador of the Year : *no application
The Ambassador of the Year Award is presented annually during the Annual Dinner in January, to the club member who has earned the most points by the end of the calendar year. The Award shall consist of a letter from the PCBC President or Executive Director to the award winner and to his/her employer, if applicable, a PCBC gift certificate in the amount of $25 and an engraved plaque for permanent possession of the winner.
*pictured to the right - Marion Binder
Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture : click here for Nomination Form
Previous Recipients:
- 2009 - Wayne Ganser *pictured to the right
- 2009 - Tim Pederson
- 2008 - Dick Okray
- 2007 - Myron Groskopp
- 2006 - Jerry Uher
- 2005 - Dr. Jeffrey Wyman
- 2004 - Mike Krutza
- 2003 - Dr. Walter Stevenson
- 2002 - John Wandrey
Decree of Excellence : click here for Nomination Form
The Decree of Excellence Award, presented during the Annual Dinner in January, is awarded to a Business Council member business, which has made substantial contributions to Portage County over the past year.
Previous Recipients:
- 2009 - The Worth Company *pictured to the right
- 2008 - Anderson, O'Brien, Bertz, Skrenes & Golla
- 2007 - Pointe Precision
- 2006 - Team Schierl Companies
- 2005 - Donaldson Company
- 2004 - CAP Services, Inc.
- 2003 - Stevens Point Brewery
- 2002 - Shulfer Sprinklers & Landscaping
Entrepreneur of the Year : click here for Nomination Form
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented during the annual Small Business Breakfast in May, is awarded to an individual whose new and successful business was launched in Portage County within the last five years.
Previous Recipients:
- 2010 - Tonya & Tyler Dillingham, Little Scholars Beginnings Child Care & Preschool (pictured right)
- 2009 - Tracie Hobson, Rudy Rack
- 2008 - Michelle Peariso, Adventure 212, LLC
- 2007 - Tom & Carolyn Weiland, StarWorks LLC Marketing and Communications
- 2006 - Angie Heuck, Advantage Communications & Design
- 2005 - Andrew Halverson, Andrew's Ltd.
- 2004 - Jim King, Skyward
- 2003 - Scott Groholski & Tom Russell, Point of Beginning
- 2002 - Craig Schuler, DigiCOPY, Inc.
Friend of Small Business : click here for Nomination Form
Awarded annually, the Friend of Small Business Award is presented during the Small Business Breakfast in May to a business, organization or individual who has provided leadership to the advancement of small business.
Previous Recipients:
- 2010 - Nancy Ross (pictured right)
- 2009 - Deb Clements, WI Department of Commerce
- 2008 - Mary Wescott
- 2007 - State Senator Julie Lassa
- 2006 - Leon Ostrowski
- 2005 - Mayor Gary Wescott
- 2004 - Association of Downtown Businesses
- 2003 - James Schuh
- 2002 - Kathy Nations
Golden Apple & Teachers of Distinction : click here for Nomination Form
The Golden Apple Awards is an annual program designed to recognize and promote innovative education in Portage and Waushara Counties by recognizing educators who meet the changing challenges of preparing students for the future. Partners In Education and area business leaders kick-off the program in February by personally thanking all classroom teachers.
This also begins the nomination phase of the Golden Apple Awards. All community members including students, parents, colleagues, families and friends have the opportunity to nominate an educator they feel deserves to be recognized. Nominated teachers then have the opportunity to apply for the awards. Ten Teachers of Distinction will be selected out of the group of teacher applications. From the ten teachers of distinction, four Golden Apple Awards recipients will be chosen. Selection is based on teacher applications, a taped classroom lesson and interview.
President's Award : *no application
The President's Award is presented annually at the Annual Dinner in January. The Portage County Business Council Board President selects the award recipient. This award is presented to an individual who, through their outstanding commitment to volunteerism, makes significant improvements and enhancements to the quality of life here in Portage County. 
Previous Recipients:
- 2009 - Rick Flugar *pictured to the right
- 2008 - Sue Wilcox
- 2007 - Peg Sullivan
- 2006 - O. Phillip Idsvoog
- 2005 - Dennis Peterson
- 2004 - Ron Blaha
- 2003 - Torren Pies
- 2002 - John and Patty Noel
Small Business of the Year : click here for Nomination Form
The award is presented annually at the Dinner in January. The business is selected for the Small Business of the Year Award for their growth, strength in employer/employee relations, efforts to adapt to market changes, commitment to community service and industry leadership. 
Previous Recipients:
- 2009 - Frank's Hardware Company, Inc.*pictured to the right
- 2008 - Chet's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Stevens Point Tents
- 2007 - Emy J's
- 2006 - Rockman's Catering
- 2005 - The Supreme Bean
- 2004 - Point Trophy
- 2003 - Dolce Digital Imaging & Printing
- 2002 - Welling Woodworks
